Discover the benefits of direct access to physical therapy, including faster care, cost savings, and the empowerment to choose your provider for optimal recovery.
Direct access to medical services is the ability to seek care from a healthcare provider without getting a referral from another provider (most often a primary care physician). In other words, it is the ability to go straight to the provider you need, when you need it.
Direct access is quite common for patients seeking physical therapy. Every state within the USA allows some level of direct access to physical therapy. Direct access often permits a patient to schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist on their own and begin treatment without obtaining a physician's referral first. However, there are rules within each state regarding things such as how long treatment can continue without a referral and whether certain conditions require physician involvement. Additionally, some insurance carriers still require referrals.
Some of the Benefits of Direct Access
Direct access allows for faster care. Patients do not need an extra appointment just to get a referral. They can call the clinic of their choice themselves, and even better, patients can often begin treatment with a therapist in days rather than waiting weeks!
Lower overall cost is another benefit. Direct access eliminates unnecessary visits and associated fees such as copay and often reduces or eliminates unnecessary imaging or specialist referrals.
The earlier intervention enjoyed by direct access patients (especially in musculoskeletal conditions such as shoulder pain) often leads to quicker recovery and better outcomes such as using fewer opioids and NSAIDs, needing fewer visits, and lowering overall healthcare costs. (PHOTO 2)
Finally, patients are empowered by the ability to choose the provider they wish to see and who they deem most appropriate for their condition so that they can get back to their normal activities of daily living. (PHOTO 3)
Direct access to physical therapy can potentially allow you to feel better fast while saving you both time and money. If you are experiencing pain, your local physical therapy clinic can be a great place to start. Simply give them a call and ask them about the direct access requirements for your state. It is likely you will be able to get an appointment for an evaluation that will put you on the path to feeling great again!